What is Health Literacy? Why does it matter? How do we address it as Health Ministers and Faith Community Nurses? Tom Pruski, RN, MAPS, DMin will address these questions at the 2023 Annual Health Ministries Association Virtual Conference.

Tom Pruski, RN, MAPS, DMin directs the work of the Heal the Sick program of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC and works closely with other seminary staff to coordinate and develop faith community health networks, institutional and congregational partnerships. Tom serves as lead faculty and curriculum manager for the health minister and faith community nurse certificates for the seminary. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the seminary. He is a licensed, registered nurse with a Masters in Pastoral Studies with over 20 years of health ministry experience. Tom completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at Wesley Theological Seminary specializing in Faith, Health, and Community in May 2019.

Nourish for Caregivers is where caregiving, faith and support intersect. Co- founders of Nourish for Caregivers, Deb Kelsey-Davis, RN, MHSA and Kelly Johnson, Certified Lay Leader and Director of Adult Formation will be presenters on October 25th.

This presentation will explore the tools, resources and methods that encompass caring for the whole person to better support caregivers of the aging, chronically ill and those who are caregiving across the life span for persons with disabilities. Learn how an approach that encompasses the practical, emotional, and spiritual needs of caregivers can significantly reduce stress, improve well-being and build resilience. These approaches help caregivers find hope and the blessings in their caregiving and encounter God in unexpected and joy-filled ways.

Visit their website: www.NourishforCaregivers.com (click Caregiver Membership for free resources) and their YouTube link: https://youtu.be/NDZo2zPsc1Q to learn more about how Nourish for Caregivers offers support and resources to caregivers and how churches and healthcare organizations can support caregivers.

Dr. Andrea Espinoza, is a Board Certified Pulmonary & Critical Care Physician. Andrea is happily married to Luis M. Espinoza M.D., an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine. Together, they have three children (ages 13, 11 and 6) who remain the focus of what they hope to leave as a legacy of hope and service to their family and community. Through their faith, Luis and Andrea have grown in their understanding of how important it is to have integrity and compassion in what you do each day. Andrea credits Luis with being a constant source of love, life and energy through music, travel and of course sports.

In October of 2018, she was amongst 219 physicians and 93 PhD/Masters-level health clinicians and bachelor-level registered nurses who, as part of only the second cohort of medical professionals in the U.S. and the 5th cohort globally, became certified as Diplomates of the ABLM/American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) and the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine.

Dr. Espinoza is well-versed in the role that epigenetics plays in the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. She will explain the concept of epigenetics and explore how deconstructing our genetic potential can empower and fuel the prevention of Alzheimer’s and Dementia in families.